Re: Important information for well contractors and technicians and well owners – Wells information bulletin regarding the applicability of the Endangered Species Act to regulatory requirements under the Wells Regulation, Ontario Water Resources Act

The ministries of the Environment and Natural Resources are providing the attached Wells Bulletin to provide direction on the application of the Endangered Species Act where a well contains a species listed as threatened or endangered in the Species At Risk in Ontario (SARO) list.

Some species at risk, including the Eastern Foxsnake and Gray Ratsnake have been found to use wells as a hibernation site in the winter.

If a species at risk animal is found in a well, and if the well is used for drinking water purposes, please refer to the information bulletin attached.

A geotechnical engineer, Sue began her public service career at the Ministry of Transportation then moved to the Ministry of Energy as Assistant Deputy Minister of the Renewables and Energy Efficiency Division. There she provided leadership and advice in implementing a portion of the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, and strategic oversight of the Green Energy Investment Agreement.

Now at the Ministry of the Environment as Chief Drinking Water Inspector, Sue also serves as Assistant Deputy Minister of the Drinking Water Management Division.

Ontario’s Chief Drinking Water Inspector leads activities to ensure that regulated drinking water systems across the province meet rigorous, health-based standards. The role is appointed under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Well Violations

VPlevna Property Owner Fined $1,000 for Failing to Comply with a Ministry Order

Kingston - A Plevna property owner was fined $1,000 for failing to comply with a ministry order in relation to property impacted by petroleum hydrocarbon contamination.

“Environmental protection legislation protects communities and the environment. Breaking these rules can result in serious penalties and is an offence the ministry takes very seriously,” Environment Minister Jim Bradley.

Richard Oscar Jeronimus is the owner of a residential property located in the Township of North Frontenac. The ministry was contacted by a resident located adjacent to the property, regarding petroleum hydrocarbon odours in their potable well water supply.

The ministry determined the source of the contamination to be a gasoline dispensing station located across the street. A ministry hydrogeologist determined that petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated the soil and groundwater at two residential properties. The ministry issued an order to Mr. Jeronimus. The order stated that Mr. Jeronimus register a Certificate of Requirement at the appropriate land registry office by February 2012, which he failed to do.

Mr. Jeronimus was fined $1,000 plus a victim fine surcharge of $250 and was given four months to pay the fine.